Even though it was 4pm and no one with any sense should be out in this blasted heat, I went looking for Rollet-Pradier to get me some apricot desserts to paint. Natch, I had to go to apricot-coloredMetro station Duroc to change trains.

Onboard I was staring inappropriately at this gent's deep apricot-colored man purse. He clamped his hand on it protectively. I wonder if it was by Hermes? I guess I look like your average Metro thief, especially wearing my macaron T-shirt as a disguise.

Natch Rollet-Pradier was CLOSED even though the website said they were open on a Monday. Hmmm... OK so everyone is closed on Mondays. Lord only knows what I'll do in August :(

I passed this apricot sign and want to share with you PBers - this Anthelios XL (get the lotion) is a terrific sun screen if you're into protecting your skin.

Enfin, one can always depend on Gerard Mulot, to be open on Mondays (Pierre Herme also but not sure about the apricot supply there...must check).

Mulot is at 76, rue de Seine, 75006 close to Odeon where you can stop in many air-conditioned movie houses. I did yesterday.

Here's a perfect example of a mini version of the summer tarte base piled high with your 5-fruits-a-day portion. Just don't take this anywhere offsite or your 5 fruits will separate like crazy - happened to me so I know from experience.

I settled on the fresh apricot tart to eat at the counter they have in the back.

Voila and major yum though I left the crust but that's nothing new being a non-crust eater. I need an assistant who loves crust! I got an excellent apricot macaron for company.

My setup. I'm loving my new mini paintbox on the left. You can run your brush across the top and get a nice mix of yellow + red + Sienna on your brush at one go. Note the basket of apricots on the right. I'll probably turn a pleasant shade of orange sans soleil. Well I hope so. Who needs sunbeds?I guess you could say I've got on my orange-colored glasses.

I like the mini watercolour box.I used to paint with Schmincke Horodam, but wanted to try something new.Last week I bought the "Kremer Watercolor Set Small" for 33,32 Euro directly from their online shop. I love the colours.

Oh I misread and didn't realize you'd bought it.The trouble is the Black, white and gold are pretty sillyYou might want to get the full box next or order pans from the website.And why do they call Gubbio red, 'Brown' etc.? Makes no senseGo by the numbers# for accurate color information on their site.These are single pigment colors...pretty hard to find out there at this quality and price.Thanks for letting me know.

Almost looks like there's apaintbox in the glasses..Love the aquarelle and I know what i will do this aft.Summer warmth colors..suntans.. bronzy glows..Roussillon colors.The small box of Kremer has weird colors? It's in my wish cart.The bag is great.

Actually I don'twith 1,500 patisseries and boulangeries how can you choose just 10?And why should you?I'm against best this and that lists altogether.Everyone has their own tastebuds and memories. Why do we need to go to the best places? So much better to discover on your own what you like best.Quite simple places can have wonderful artisanal products. I'm all for freedom of choice.

I really appreciate your painting lessons! I'm not terribly good with the "real" watercolors yet. I do OK with the pencils to start the drawing but I never really like how they look altogether. I need some time to experiment, fail and try again. I have to say, I like your finished bit better than the tart itself!

Apricots remind me of my time in Paris -- when Jerry would pack a picnic for us, we always took dried apricots and because meal times were very European, I'd find myself taking some along just in case I needed a sugar-fruit hit while I was out exploring! Sigh. I must get some apricots!

Miss Lemon has beaten me to the Crust-eating Sidekick position and perhaps that's just as well...I never eat the crust from gooey pies like pumpkin and am quite fussy about crust all around, but I AM willing to make the sacrifice if only to follow in your footsteps as you trudge through the heat to acquire the goods.

I have never been that fond of Apricots. our Neighbor has one with branches hanging over into our yard so my hubby has been eating as they come ripe and the sheep had a field day with them before they were taken away. Unfortunately the tree isn't doing well so they will be taking it out. Love seeing your work on a watercolor. It came out great. Love the printing.

I wish I could eat your crust! I don't know how one could keep your weight under control with all that temptation. I mean, you have to buy them to paint them, yes! All in the line of your profession. At least you don't like the crust. That is a good thing.Carolyn

I love the fruity desserts. Presented a cake to my dear friend on her 40th. Decorated nicely, frosting was ghastly to the palate. Next bday cake....A fruity sculpture on a thin, thin crust of something! Thanks for the inspiration. Hugs, K

More lost opportunities. I haunted Gerard Mulot on several days- fabulous macarons, but I think only had the tarte framboise, and not an apricot tart. Next time. Your painted apricots look so pretty. And I love that you had Duroc there- we were only two stops away from there, and walked back to the flat several times from there when catching different lines.

ParisBreakfast Letters

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5. I'm still at it, now tripping over cobblestones, living in a 6th-floor garret on l'Ile Saint-Louis, Paris. Savor Parisbreakfast with a hot chocolate and croissant.
I paint Paris dreams.